http://www.grahamcountytravel.com
Your western North Carolina adventure begins here....Fri, 09 Dec 2016 03:50:05 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.1Hogfish Lodgehttp://www.grahamcountytravel.com/hogfish-lodge/
Mon, 07 Nov 2016 12:39:06 +0000http://www.grahamcountytravel.com/?p=144363 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths in Tobacco Branch Village, near Fontana Lake, Nantahala Outdoor Center. Fully equipped.
]]>Rivers Edge Cabinhttp://www.grahamcountytravel.com/rivers-edge/
Mon, 07 Nov 2016 11:57:45 +0000http://www.grahamcountytravel.com/?p=14432On Big Snowbird Creek, 3 bed room 3 bath sleeps 6-8
]]>Top 10 Places for Fall Color Viewshttp://www.grahamcountytravel.com/fall-color-views/
Mon, 10 Oct 2016 14:00:17 +0000http://www.grahamcountytravel.com/?p=14350See More Details...]]>October is the month that is consistently the very best for viewing the spectacular fall leaf color in Robbinsville, Stecoah, Lake Santeetlah, and Fontana Dam. However, the brilliant reds and oranges of sumac and sourwood can be seen as early as the first week of September, and the oaks still show off their dark reds around Thanksgiving in most years. If you prefer short hikes, or views that can be seen without leaving your vehicle, here are our top 10 picks in Graham County for incredible fall color.

Stecoah Gap is the perfect place to watch the sun rise over Stecoah Valley. Photograph clouds nestled between the Smoky Mountains painted with fall colors. The Appalachian Trail intersects with Stecoah Gap, six miles east of Robbinsville on NC143. The Stecoah Valley is home to the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, a restored historic school with arts and crafts gallery, mountain music concerts and festivals.

View from the Fontana Dam Visitor Center

Fontana Dam is the largest dam east of the Mississippi and forms Fontana Lake. The views from the top of the dam are spectacular. Walk through the exhibits in the visitor center, which chronicles the life of early settlers. The creation of the Fontana Dam changed the landscape and the culture of this area. The dam is located just off NC28, just a few minutes from Fontana Village Resort.

Yellow Creek Falls

Yellow Creek Falls is located north of Robbinsville on US129. This short hiking trail meanders uphill along a mountain trout filled stream. The trail ends at a very large grouping of flat boulders which face the stream and waterfall, a perfect place for a picnic lunch. Immerse yourself in the fall colors of the trees and the wonderful gold and purples of the autumn wildflowers along the way.

The Cheoah River follows US129 as you head from Robbinsville. During scheduled releases, the Cheoah River tumbles over boulders to create Class IV & V white water kayaking and rafting. A favorite place to stop is the swinging bridge, a narrow suspension bridge which travels across the rushing water of the Cheoah River and leads to the Belding Trail, an 11 mile hike to Historic Tapoco Lodge.

Cheoah Dam, aka Fugitive Dam

Cheoah Dam (Fugitive Dam) was featured in the 1993 movie The Fugitive, which portrays Harrison Ford escaping the law by jumping from the top of the dam. The gorge below this historic dam is striking, especially when water is flowing over the dam. Cascading water from Cheoah River (center right) runs below the Cheoah Dam and into Calderwood Lake.

Maple Springs Observation Deck

Maple Springs Observation Deck is located at the end of Joyce Kilmer Road and near Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This short boardwalk, easily accessible, 900-foot loop trail provides a spectacular panorama of Smoky Mountains. This is a perfect place for taking photos and is especially striking during the late afternoon towards sunset.

The Cherohala Skyway features unspoiled Smoky Mountain views on this drive along the crest of the Unicoi Mountains between Robbinsville, NC and Tellico Plains, TN. There are far less “Leaf Peepers” on this beautiful road and you will see scenery that rivals and even surpasses that of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Skyway crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala forests, with wide sweeping curves and numerous pull offs for picture taking and picnicking. Because elevation ranges from the highest point near North Carolina mile marker 7 at Santeetlah Overlook (5390′) to the lowest point of 930′ feet near Tellico Plains TN, views of leaf color can be found along the route from late September to November.

Cherohala Skyway, Spirit Ridge Observation Deck

Spirit Ridge Trail and Observation Deck is located on the Cherohala Skyway near North Carolina mile maker 10. This short trail is accessible to the physically challenged and leads to a beautiful deck overlooking the Cherohala Skyway and the many mountains of the Santeetlah watershed. The paved trail meanders through a hardwood forest bordered with autumn wild flowers. Two picnic tables are located adjacent to the parking lot.

Cherohala Skyway, Hooper Bald, elevation 5290′

Hooper Bald Trailhead is located at North Carolina mile marker 8 on the Cherohala Skyway. A stunning vista awaits you from the paved parking lot at the Hooper Bald Trailhead. A quarter-mile hike leads to Hooper Bald, one of the most beautiful balds in the area. In the fall, wildflowers are plentiful in the grassy fields. Mountain Ash trees, covered with clusters of red berries, are numerous. The wildflower meadows are a stopping point for many species of migrating butterflies, including the monarch.

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest should be a priority during your visit at any time of the year. Named for a poet/journalist who wrote the poem “Trees” and died in World War I, this forest is one of the few remaining tracts of virgin hardwood in the Appalachians. A 2-mile moderate to steep loop trail leads you through a forest of beautiful Tulip Poplar, Birch and Magnolia trees, some over 400 years old. At the parking area there are several picnic tables, including one designed for those with physical challenges, located along Little Santeetlah Creek, a pristine Smoky Mountain stream.

Cherohala Skyway. Photo taken just a short hike up the road from Spirit Ridge. Photo by Killboy.com

The fall color display is legendary across the Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. The show is magnificent and just a short drive from Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh and Knoxville.

View from Cherohala Skyway

Peak colors typically occur during the last two weeks in October, but that is dependent upon fall temperatures and in particular, the first frost date. The color change begins at higher elevations where you see the earliest changes in late September, and continue all the way into mid-November at the lower elevations.

The Sourwood and Dogwood trees are the first to turn red early in the season. Next are the Tulip Poplars which turn yellow, but then quickly turn brown. Peak leaf season brings in the red, orange, and yellow of the Maples and the bright yellow of the Birches. Oaks and Sweetgums finish up the season with purple, orange, and red.

Fall wildflowers on the Cherohala Skyway provide a beautiful display of colors starting in September up to the first frost in early October.

The Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina climbs 17 miles with elevations over 5000′ and descends into Tennessee for another 48 miles to Tellico Plains. An entire day can be spent exploring the short hikes and scenic vistas. Spectacular views can be found at Santeetlah Gap, Obadiah, Wright Cove, Spirit Ridge, Huckleberry Bald, Hooper Bald, highest point at Santeetlah Picnic Area and Big Junction. See Cherohala Skyway Map for details.

Follow US129 north from Robbinsville to the famous Tail of the Dragon. Take a slight detour to Stony Hollow Farm for fresh veggies and baked goodies. Continuing on US129, stop at the historic Tapoco Lodge for lunch and make sure to visit their gift shop and take a walking tour of the resort grounds. Just down the road from Tapoco Lodge you’ll see Cheoah Dam, aka Fugitive Dam, made famous in the movie “The Fugitive” with Harrison Ford. Just a few miles more and the Big Metal Dragon marks the beginning of the famous “Tail of the Dragon”. The 318 curves begin at the state line and continue for 11 miles into Tennessee.

From the Big Metal Dragon take NC 28 east along Cheoah Lake. Be sure to take a slight detour to Fontana Dam for views of the dam and Fontana Lake. Continue east on NC 28 along the shores of Fontana Lake for more views. See the Artisan & Gift Shop touring map for stops along the way.

Hike amongst the giant yellow poplars in Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Take a short 4.5 mile drive up SR1127 to Maple Springs Overlook. Decking leads out to a lookout with fabulous views of the Great Smoky Mountains to the north. Another pull-off offers views of Lake Santeetlah. This paved road is the site of the two Dragon Hillclimb Races each year.

Take a Forest Service gravel road tour on FS81, aka the Gravel Wagon Train Route. This backwoods road winds its way from Santeetlah Gap 11 miles to the Cherohala Skyway. There are a number of camping/picnic areas along the river, the scenic Stewart Cabin and Wolf Laurel Road that leads to primitive Swan Cabin and Stratton Bald trailhead. Absolum Stratton’s grave is located under the Cherohala overpass buried half in Tennessee and half in North Carolina.

Tatham Gap Gravel Road is another Forest Service gravel road which was in the 1800s the only access into Graham County. Take Long Creek Road (SR1110) just south of Robbinsville in Milltown. The route once used by US Army soldiers in the settlement of the area climbs for six miles to an elevation of 3,600 feet. A side road here at the county line climbs another 2 miles to Teyahalee Bald at 4,700 feet. The tower is gated and fenced-in, but you can hike about a mile to a great view looking down the Nantahala Gorge. Tatham Gap road is also known as being part of the Trail of Tears Cherokee Indian relocation route of the 1800s.

]]>Joyce Kilmer Memorial Foresthttp://www.grahamcountytravel.com/joyce-kilmer-memorial-forest/
Sat, 10 Sep 2016 21:38:11 +0000http://www.grahamcountytravel.com/?p=14017See More Details...]]>For all lovers of nature that come to Graham County, there is one special place that you do not want to miss; the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This unique and beautiful wilderness area was recognized as one of the very few remaining tracts of virgin hardwood in the Appalachians in 1936. At that time 3,800 acres were dedicated as a living memorial to Alfred Joyce Kilmer, a poet and soldier killed in World War I and who is best known for his poem “Trees”.

A two mile unpaved loop trail, in the shape of a figure eight, leads you through a diverse forest of huge trees, some over 500 years old. Especially during the spring, the many species of wildflowers along the path are spectacular. There are areas carpeted with white-flowered trillium. Above the flowers are occasional white butterflies, appearing as if some of the blossoms have taken flight. The forest is cool, shaded, moss-covered and exquisite year round. It shimmers with light. The atmosphere of peace and tranquility will surround and entrance you. If you are a “tree hugger” there are ample trees available on the upper loop not only for you to hug but ones large enough to link hands with your friends or family and encircle.

Bring your camera and you will find numerous opportunities to capture the glory of this wonderful place. A sparkling mountain stream filled with trout tumbles down through the forest and a picnic lunch after the hike is a perfect idea. Be sure and wear good hiking shoes and bring a walking stick as the trail is neither flat nor smooth. It is a wilderness trail and once you take your first step into this magical place you will experience what the forest must have looked like when the first European settlers passed through.

Whether you visit the forest during early June, when the synchronous and Blue Ghost fireflies are putting on their annual show, during the autumn color season, or after a fresh-fallen snow, “show your children that not all enchanted forests exist in fairy tales”.

North on US-129 N/Tapoco Rd
Turn left onto NC-143 W for 3.4 mi
Turn right to stay on NC-143 W for 6.9 mi
Stay right onto Santeetlah Rd for 2.3 mi
Turn left onto Joyce Kilmer Rd for .6 miles to trail head

From Tellico Plains TN, 44 miles, 1 hour travel time:

Head southeast on Cherohala Skyway for 41 miles

Turn left on Santeetlah Rd for 2.3 mi

Turn left onto Joyce Kilmer Rd, for .6 miles to trail head

Get Directions

]]>Sweetgum Suiteshttp://www.grahamcountytravel.com/sweetgum-suites/
Wed, 18 May 2016 11:38:58 +0000http://www.grahamcountytravel.com/?p=13991See More Details...]]>Sweetgum Suites features two bedrooms w/ double bed in one and double bed w/ twin in other. Full bathroom with laundry, fully equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi, cable T.V in Living room and master bedroom. Front porch with chairs for lounging. Spacious parking. Conveniently located on HWY. 129 only a short drive to the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest or Fontana Dam. Beautiful place, for a home away from home.
]]>Dragonfly Cottagehttp://www.grahamcountytravel.com/dragonfly-cottage/
Wed, 18 May 2016 10:52:43 +0000http://www.grahamcountytravel.com/?p=13985See More Details...]]>Overlooking pristine Lake Santeetlah and the Snowbird Mountains, the Dragonfly Cottage is an intimate retreat and the epitome of rustic luxury mountain living.

Cradled by tall oak and maple trees, the Adirondack-inspired wooden home also enjoys the constant sounds of water from the nearby mountain stream, offering second home buyers a luxurious abode in a serene environment in the Smoky Mountains.

Featuring an elegant rustic mountain-style décor, The Dragonfly Cottage exemplifies luxurious mountain living and the Great Camps experience. In addition to enjoying exclusive services, guests will be attended by a wilderness concierge who can organize customized outdoor activities that suits everyone’s preferences and levels.

]]>Heritage Festival July 1-2http://www.grahamcountytravel.com/heritage-festival/
Tue, 17 May 2016 12:08:30 +0000http://www.grahamcountytravel.com/?p=13972See More Details...]]>Moonshiners and mountaineers are two of the highlights of the annual Graham County Heritage Festival. The event promotes the history and traditions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains allowing visitors to explore the culture through music, dance, demonstrations, food and games.

The festival is also lots of fun! Food vendors offer some great choices – including Indian Fry Bread and fried homemade pies. The afternoons can be spent browsing craft booths, participating in horseshoe and corn hole competitions, and sharing stories with moonshiners and mountaineers. In the evenings visitors can sit back and listen to traditional bluegrass and country music performed by local bands or join the dancers on Courthouse Square to learn clogging and buck dancing.

The Heritage Festival is a down home, country good time! Bring your family and come to the mountains to join in the fun!

Get Directions

]]>Huffman Creek Retreat – The Barnhttp://www.grahamcountytravel.com/huffman-creek-retreat-the-barn/
Thu, 28 Apr 2016 10:35:08 +0000http://www.grahamcountytravel.com/?p=13905See More Details...]]>The Barn at Huffman Creek offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life for those looking to embrace a real Appalachian experience. Awake to the sounds of the creek, hike miles of private trails, prepare supper in the outside kitchen, and bring the day to a close as you toast marshmallows under the stars.
The home features two sleeping lofts. The main loft has a private half bath and queen size bed and the other loft offers two twin size beds.

With both an indoor and outdoor kitchen for your enjoyment, this is the spot that family tends to come together. Kick off the day with an outdoor pancake extravaganza and watch the fireflies at night as you wrap up with dessert.

Take advantage of the half mile of private stream with an abundance of water falls and hand hewed bridges. Be sure to bring a fly rod and your favorite fishing gear.

If it’s a hike you’re looking for, enjoy the property’s five miles of private hiking trails with ample room for camping opportunities. Pack a lunch or a full pack for an over-night stay. Either way, be sure to bring along your camera to snap a shot of the abundant wildlife, waterfalls, streams, and mountain views.

Every spring we welcome hundreds of brightly colored Mini Coopers for their annual “Minis on the Dragon” (MOTD) event in the Smoky Mountains of Graham County (event website). MOTD is more than just a get-together to drive the 11-mile stretch of road with 318 curves called the Tail of the Dragon. With the scenic North Carolina mountains as a backdrop, visitors can enjoy scenic road tours, wilderness hiking and biking trails, epic trout streams, mountain views and waterfalls in an uncrowded, relaxed setting.

During the weekend event, participants might consider exploring this remote area which offers an array of outdoor adventures, unique accommodations, shops, and dining.

Currently Availability during Mini Cooper Weekend:

The event is hosted by Fontana Village Resort and participants stay throughout the county. While Fontana Village Resort is booked solid during this event, there are still vacancies throughout the county.

Lakefront Cottagehttp://tinyurl.com/bjbvkgf
Location & Amenities: 3 Bedrooms. This is a cabin rental. Located in the Lake Santeetlah area of Graham County. This location is along a lake. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability Indoor Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove.
Telephone: (828) 479-6907

Odom Lakefronthttp://www.cherokeerealty.com/odom-lakefront
Location & Amenities: 4 Bedrooms.or more. This is a cabin rental. Located in the Lake Santeetlah area of Graham County. This location is along a lake. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability Indoor Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove. Open Year Round.
Telephone: 828-479-6441

Huffman Creek Retreat – Chestnut Lodgehttp://huffmancreekretreat.com/
Location & Amenities: 4 Bedrooms.or more. This is a cabin rental. Located in the Cherohala Skyway area of Graham County. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability Located in the Snowbird area of Graham County. This location can accommodate groups. Covered parking available. This location is on a creek. Game Room. Internet access available. Outdoor Firepit. Pet Friendly.
Telephone: (865) 771-0957

Snowbird Creek Fronthttp://www.cherokeerealty.com/wp/cabin-on-the-creek-3
Location & Amenities: 3 Bedrooms. This is a cabin rental. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability Located in the Snowbird area of Graham County. This location is on a creek. Indoor Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove. Internet access available. Open Year Round.
Telephone: 828-479-6441, toll free 800-343-7635

A Cozy Cabin at the Mountain Retreathttp://www.vrbo.com/345053
Location & Amenities: 2 Bedrooms. This is a cabin rental. Located in the Fontana Lake area of Graham County. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability Located in the Tapoco area of Graham County This location can accommodate groups. Internet access available. Outdoor Firepit. Pet Friendly.
Telephone: (941) 725-2153 or (828)479-2360

The Ridge Haven at Yellow Creekhttp://www.vrbo.com/240956
Location & Amenities: 2 Bedrooms. This is a cabin rental. Located in the Fontana Lake area of Graham County. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability Located in the Tapoco area of Graham County Indoor Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove. Internet access available. Outdoor Firepit. Pet Friendly.
Telephone: (941) 725-2153 or (828) 479-2360

Wonderview 2http://www.cherokeerealty.com/wonderview-two/
Location & Amenities: 4 Bedrooms.or more. This is a cabin rental. Located in the Lake Santeetlah area of Graham County. This location is along a lake. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability Located near Robbinsville. Indoor Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove. Open Year Round.
Telephone: 828-479-6441

Breath of Fresh Air – Twohttp://www.vrbo.com/32601
Location & Amenities: 1 Bedroom. This is a cabin rental. Located in the Cherohala Skyway area of Graham County. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability This location can accommodate groups. This location is on a creek. Indoor Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove. Internet access available. Open Year Round. Outdoor Firepit. Pet Friendly.
Telephone: 770 666 3298

Dragon’s Lairhttps://www.vrbo.com/454134
Location & Amenities: 3 Bedrooms. This is a cabin rental. Located in the Lake Santeetlah area of Graham County. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability Located near Robbinsville. This location can accommodate groups. Covered parking available. This location is on a creek. Indoor Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove. Open Year Round. Outdoor Firepit. Pet Friendly.
Telephone: 904-534-2970

Gilliland’s Islandhttp://www.cherokeerealty.com/gillilands-island/
Location & Amenities: 4 Bedrooms.or more. This is a cabin rental. Located in the Lake Santeetlah area of Graham County. This location is along a lake. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability Located near Robbinsville. Covered parking available. Game Room. Indoor Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove. Internet access available. Open Year Round.
Telephone: 828-479-6441

The Wolfe Househttp://www.cherokeerealty.com/the-wolfe-house/
Location & Amenities: 3 Bedrooms. This is a cabin rental. Located in the Lake Santeetlah area of Graham County. This location is along a lake. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability Located near Robbinsville. Indoor Jacuzzi. Indoor Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove. Internet access available. Open Year Round.
Telephone: 828-479-6441

Log Cabin Innhttp://www.vrbo.com/708691,for
Location & Amenities: 2 Bedrooms. This is a cabin rental. Located in the Cherohala Skyway area of Graham County. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability This location is on a creek. Indoor Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove. Open Year Round. Pet Friendly.
Telephone: 770 -666 3298 or 770-317-8637

Huffman Creek Retreat – The Barnhttp://huffmancreekretreat.com/
Location & Amenities: 2 Bedrooms. This is a cabin rental. Mini Cooper Weekend Availability Located in the Snowbird area of Graham County. This location can accommodate groups. This location is on a creek. Indoor Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove. Pet Friendly.
Telephone: (865) 771-0957